Monday, September 21, 2015 |

LAFD Battles Echo Park House Fire; 1 Man Dead, 5 Others Injured, Including Firefighter

Los Angeles Firefighters battled a blaze where tragically one man died, two were hospitalized in critical condition and three other people were injured, including a firefighter.

At 8:20 AM on the Fourth of July holiday, LAFD responded to a Structure Fire at 804 N Alvarado Street in Echo Park.

Firefighters arrived on scene to find a one-story home with the attic converted to living space, fully involved in flames, exposing nearby structures. Additional companies were quickly requested.

Firefighters made an intense and aggressive interior attack due reports of people possibly trapped inside. Five of the home's six residents, two of whom are related, were home at the time.

Over 50 firefighters, under the command of Assistant Chief Mark Storms, extinguished the flames in 36 minutes.

There were a total of six patients: One adult male was found inside, beyond medical help, and was determined dead. Two adult males were transported in critical condition to a local hospital, one male and one female were medically evaluated but declined transport, and one Firefighter was transported in fair condition.

There were no bars on the windows or security screens on the doors to prevent occupants from escaping the burning home.

Multiple agencies rallied together with the LAFD to offer support and services. The Mayors Crisis Response Team responded to offer provide immediate on-scene crisis intervention and emotional support to those affected from the deadly fire. The American Red Cross assisted with temporary housing of four adult males and one adult female that were displaced. Five members of MySafeLA canvased over three streets adjacent to the incident and offered free smoke alarms along with information and even offered installation if needed.

The home was equipped with smoke alarms, but is unknown if they were functional at the time of the fire. The cause is under active investigation by LAFD Arson Section, and the estimated dollar loss is being tabulated.

Dispatched Units: E6 RA6 E211 T11 RA811 E3 T3 E203 EM11 BC11 T20 E220 RA20 SQ21 RA11 RA35 RA56 AR1 E35 E215 T15 DC22 BC1 EA1 SU1 SU2 RA52 EM1 EM13 RA52 RA803 RA9 AR11 RA4 EM13 AR21 AR9

#AlvaradoStFire

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any buildings in addition to the (motel) exposed. building to south fence 2 occupancies ff protected. Americas best value inn motel.

LAFD Battles Playa Vista Office Building Blaze

Saturday, September 19, 2015 |

LAFD Battles Playa Vista Office Building Blaze


The Los Angeles Fire Department battled a Greater Alarm Structure Fire in a large office building in the morning of September 19th, 2015.

Thursday, September 10, 2015 |

VAN NUYS - Scores of Los Angeles firefighters battled a major emergency blaze in a large Van Nuys commercial building early Thursday, September 10, 2015.

Friday, July 31, 2015 |

Sherman Oaks - Los Angeles Firefighters were able to keep a Sherman Oaks brush fire to just two-acres Friday July 31, 2015, thanks to quick action, precise water drops, and residents who maintained proper brush clearance around their homes.

Grand Opening of Fire Station 77 in Sun Valley

Tuesday, June 23, 2015 |

Artist Concept LAFD Station 77
This Saturday, September 17 is the Grand Opening of Fire Station 77 in Sun Valley!

You and your family are cordially invited to join Mayor Villaraigosa and Councilmember Greuel as well as civic and community leaders, including Fire Chief William Bamattre at the public grand opening and formal dedication of the Los Angeles Fire Department's newest Neighborhood Fire Station.

Immediately following the opening cermonies will be a complimentary barbecue lunch for all in attendance.

Please join us this weekend...

Saturday, September 17, 2005
10:00 AM
New Fire Station 77
9224 Sunland Boulevard
Sun Valley, CA 91352


We are pleased to offer an interactive map and driving directions to this new facility, which is now in service and protecting the Sun Valley, Sunland, Shadow Hills and La Tuna Canyon neighborhoods of the Northeast San Fernando Valley.

All members of the community are warmly welcomed to join us for this public event, which was postponed from an earlier date.

We encourage you to learn more about new Fire Station 77 and the many Fire Department facilities being modernized by Proposition F by viewing a highly detailed on-line Monthly Progress Report.

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, September 17 in Sun Valley!

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Tuesday, June 16, 2015 |

 
Father and Son
      In reference his years Fire Service Day. I will host the following info on .org/news & push via SM & email to stakeholders. Anything to add or omit? I will fine-tune spacing when posted...
On Saturday, May 9, 2015 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM all Neighborhood Fire Stations in the City of Los Angeles will be expecting your visit.


To increase community awareness of Fire Department services, the Los Angeles Fire Department designates the second Saturday of each May as Fire Service Recognition Day. This year, we are highlighting:

"Saving Lives through Technology"

During our 2015 open house, we are honored to provide personal tours of YOUR Neighborhood Fire Station and highlight the commitment of Los Angeles Firefighters in assuring the safety of those they are sworn to serve.

Along with personal tours of Neighborhood Fire Stations, there will be enhanced displays at these locations: 

Fire Station 27 & LAFD Museum
(8:30 AM - Noon Pancake Breakfast )
1327 North Cole Ave
Hollywood 

Fire Station 56
2759 Rowena Ave
Silver Lake

Fire Station 63
(8:00 AM - Noon Pancake Breakfast )
1930 Shell Ave
Even Moms & Kids are Firefighters for a DayVenice

Fire Station 65
1801 East Century Blvd
Watts

Fire Station 69
15045 Sunset Blvd
Pacific Palisades
Fire Station 77
Shadow Hills

Fire Station 86
(8:00 AM - Noon Pancake Breakfast)
4305 Vineland Ave
Studio City

Fire Station 88
5101 North Sepulveda Blvd
Sherman Oaks

Fire Station 94
Baldwin Hills/Crenshaw

San Pedro

Those unable to attend on Saturday, are warmly welcomed to join us on Sunday, May 10, 2015 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at three special locations:

Fire Station 58
1556 South Robertson Blvd
Pico/Robertson

Fire Station 61
5821 West 3rd St
Fairfax District

Fire Station 102
13200 Burbank Blvd
Valley Glen

Please Note: Due to the ongoing statewide drought, water demonstrations will not be offered this year.

We look forward to meeting you at any City of Los Angeles Fire Station during our Annual Open House Celebration!



-- 
Respectfully,

Public Service Officer (C-Platoon) - Spokesman

Los Angeles Fire Department
Emergency Public Information (EPI) Center
500 East Temple Street, Room 259
Los Angeles, CA 90012 USA
(213) 485-5162
 
"Serving with Courage, Integrity & Pride"

Home Page: LAFD.org News & Info: LAFD.org/news

Do You Follow LAFD on Social Media?

 @LAFD (Breaking News)
 @LAFDtalk (Conversation)
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 @PIOErikScott (Personal)
       Linkedin - Erik Scott

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTE:
This email and any files attached thereto are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed.

LAFD Quickly Handles a Non-Injury Los Feliz Blaze; Marijuana Plants Found

Friday, April 24, 2015 |

LOS FELIZ - Los Angeles Firefighters quickly handled a non-injury blaze in a Los Feliz home that had numerous small explosions and uncovered dozens of marijuana plants.

At 6:00 PM on April 24, 2015, LAFD responded to multiple 911 calls for a Structure Fire at 3940 Sunset Drive.

Firefighters arrived on scene to find an attached (via a breezeway) garage converted into living space well involved in flames. Quick use of a "Wagon Battery", a cannon like turret on top of a fire engine capably of shooting large amounts of water, aided on calming the blaze. Additional firefighters then strategically attacked the fire with hand lines.

Over 50 firefighters, under the command of Battalion Chief Roy Harvey, extinguished the fire in just 19 min.

Flames spread into one bedroom of the attached three-story descending hillside home and two vehicles were also burned. Approximately 100 small butane canisters also ignited in the blaze causing 911 callers to state they hear sounds of explosions. Dozens of marijuana plants were located.

LAFD Arson investigators are determining cause and LAPD Bomb Squad was called to the scene. Fortunately no one was injured. The estimated dollar loss is being tabulated.

Dispatched Units: E235 E35 T35 RA835 E56 RA56 E220 T20 EM11 BC5 E52 E6 E82 DC52 E227 T27 E211 T11 EM14 BC11 E27 UR27 T3 E203 UR88 BC1 RA35 EM1 DC22 AR2 SQ21 JT2

STORM TIPS (NON-CORRUPT) HTML

Friday, January 30, 2015 |

With the resumption of seasonal rain, the Los Angeles Fire Department is encouraging residents to take the often simple actions necessary to protect themselves from injury and their property from storm damage.

When rainstorms impact the Los Angeles area, flood control channels, rivers and arroyos can quickly fill with fast-moving water, creating a potentially life-threatening danger to anyone who gets caught or swept away. It is against the law to be inside most flood control channels, regardless of the weather.

We urge you to visit the National Weather Service website and listen to NOAA (All Hazards) Weather Radio - or local radio and television stations - for the latest weather information and emergency bulletins.

FLOOD PREVENTION AND STORM PREPAREDNESS TIPS

  • Ensure that all drains, gutters and downspouts are functioning properly. This is especially important for flat-roofed buildings.
  • Keep ground-level drains and drainage areas (ditches, swales, small channels) free of debris.
  • Move valuable or easily damaged items away from low-lying areas that may be prone to flooding.
  • Establish household supplies (bucket, mop, towel and tarpaulin) to minimize damage from sudden leaks or stormwater seepage.
  • Prepare your household to remain safe (battery powered lamps, no candles) and functional (fully charged cell phone, manual garage door operation) in the event of a storm related power outage.
  • Identify and collect important documents that you may require in case of evacuation.
  • Contact your insurance agent to assure that your flood and storm coverage is adequate and in effect. Confirm the 24-hour contact, policy and claim filing numbers for your insurer(s). Place that information in your cell phone and keep a printed copy in the glove box of your car.
  • Review your Family Emergency Plan and prepare an Emergency Supply Kit that includes food, water, medications, flashlight, battery-powered radio, rain gear and first aid supplies.
  • Consider the safety of those with disabilities or access and functional needs.
  • Plan for the needs of pets at home and if you are evacuated.
  • Monitor local news for the status of streets, highways and transit systems.
  • Identify multiple safe routes from your home or workplace to high ground.
  • Check your car's wipers, lights, tire inflation and tread wear to assure safe operation, and keep your vehicle fueled in case power is cutoff to local fueling stations.
  • Be prepared to operate your vehicle safely or use public transit in conditions altered by weather.
  • Establish out-of-state family contacts so that friends and relatives can determine your location and status.
  • If necessary, consult an engineer or licensed contractor to design or build permanent water and debris control systems for your property.
  • Landscape slope areas with plants that are fire retardant and suitable for erosion control.
  • Keep sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber, hand tools and other materials handy for addressing stormwater issues.

WHAT IF YOU NEED SANDBAGS?

In an effort to assist Los Angeles residents with extreme storm needs, the Los Angeles Fire Department and Bureau of Street Services are making ready-to-fill sandbags available at locations citywide. To find the Neighborhood Fire Station or Bureau of Street Services location closest to you, contact the City's 3-1-1 Ambassadors. They are pleased to direct you to the closest municipal source of sand and/or sandbags.

TIPS FOR PERSONAL SAFETY DURING A FLOOD
  • Limit non-essential travel, and avoid the urge to sightsee. Remind all household members not to play or linger near flood control channels and storm drains.
  • Do not walk through flowing water. Drowning is the number-one cause of flood deaths, mostly during flash floods. Currents can be deceptive; six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
  • Do not drive through a flooded area or bypass road barriers; the road or bridge may be washed-out.
  • If you become stranded in your car, stay with your vehicle and move to the hood or roof if water continues to rise.
  • Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. Deadly electric current can travel through water.
  • Report downed power lines in the City of Los Angeles to the Department of Water and Power (1-800-DIAL-DWP) or emergency officials.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU FALL IN MOVING WATER?
  • Avoid getting into this dangerous situation.
  • Remain calm. Don't waste energy yelling for help after someone has spotted you.
  • Get ready to be rescued.
  • Try to float on your back with your legs straight and your feet pointed downstream.
  • Use your legs to shove yourself away from obstructions.
  • Keep your head up so that you can see where you are going.
  • Watch for obstacles and debris! If a tree or other stationary object is blocking the channel, forcing water over it, try to flip over on your stomach and approach the obstacle head-on, crawling over the top of it.
  • Most victims in swift water die when they get pinned against obstacles or get trapped in submerged debris and vegetation.

WHAT IF YOU SEE SOMEONE FALL INTO MOVING WATER?
  • Do not go into the water after the victim.
  • Do not try to pull the victim out with your hands, rope or similar device. Do not attach anything to yourself and toss it to a victim in the water. The force of the current will pull you in.
  • If possible, throw a floatation device to the victim, such as a boogie board, Styrofoam ice chest, basketball or other unattached object.
  • Immediately call 9-1-1.
  • Tell the 9-1-1 operator that someone fell into the channel and is being swept downstream. Say that "swift water rescue teams" need to respond.
  • Give accurate information about where and when you saw the victim and what the victim was wearing.
  • Though members of your Los Angeles Fire Department are specially trained and equipped to respond to water rescues, not every victim survives. We therefore remind you that when it comes to swift moving water: 'Stay Away and Stay Alive!'

WHAT IF YOU WITNESS STORM DAMAGE?

City of Los Angeles residents should call 3-1-1 or (213) 473-3231 to report potholes, downed street trees, inoperative traffic signals, clogged street drains and any storm-related property damage requiring an inspection or action by City of Los Angeles officials.

WHAT IF YOU EXPERIENCE STORM DAMAGE?

If, despite your best efforts, you become a victim of storm or floodwater damage, please visit LAFD.ORG for helpful flood recovery tips.

[TEMPLATE] After Action Report Blog Post

Wednesday, December 31, 2014 |

IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE ACCIDENTLY CHANGED THIS TEMPLATE, PLEASE LET ERIK or BRIAN KNOW ASAP.


PLEASE __*COPY* AND PASTE__ THIS ENTIRE TEXT ***IN HTML*** INTO A ___NEW POSTING___ AND THEN EDIT.

============== START BELOW THIS LINE======================

Community name written in all Caps then a space and a -.
Example: NORTH HOLLYWOOD -
(To find the community name, place the incident address into maps.yahoo.com, then zoom out 3 times and look for the community name. Each neighboring community is differentiated in a slightly different color.)

After writing the community name in one or two sentences provide the reader all they need to know regarding the topic. The basic information.

Describe in chronological order the events of the incident in short paragraphs. What firefighters saw and did.

Remember to include the date, address, how long it took to knockdown and by how many firefighters, the cause, estimated $loss, and dispatched units.

Tips: Don't use two words if one will do. Spell the number out if it is one digit and use the numbers if it is two digits or more. Example: Three. 55.

Submitted by Katherine Main, Spokesperson Los Angeles Fire Department Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman Los Angeles Fire Department Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman Los Angeles Fire Department

LAFD Batteles Major Emergency Fire in Building Under Construction

Monday, December 08, 2014 |

An early morning inferno destroyed a large apartment building under construction and severely damaged two nearby high-rise buildings. 
The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 1:20 AM on December 8th, 2014 to 906 North Fremont Avenue in downtown Los Angeles, where firefighters arrived quickly to find heavy fire showing from a 200' x 900' seven story building under construction. Two stories were concrete while the remaining 5 floors were exposed lumber.
The massive blaze could be seen from all over the city and 50 foot flames lengths caused the closure of all North bound lanes of the 110 Freeway.
250 Firefighters under the command of Deputy Chief Joseph Castro battled the fire defensively utilizing large hose streams from the ground and aerial ladders from above. The intensity of the flames quickly ignited several floors of a 16 story adjacent high-rise. Although Firefighters battled intensely, 221 North Figueroa was heavily damaged. Another building located at 313 North Figueroa threatened by fire was saved by the hard work of Firefighters.
The bulk of the fire was knocked down  in just over 90 minutes. Firefighters managed flair-up and worked with LAFD bulldozers for nearly 24 hours to fully extinguish the deep seeded smoldering lumber.
In the wake of this Major Emergency structure fire, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section requested the assistance of the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) National Response Team (NRT) to aid in the cause investigation.
Due to the extensive damage and the significant monetary losses, the LAFD asked the ATF to activate the NRT. As a result, approximately 20 ATF agents and specialists will arrive in Los Angeles to join LAFD Arson investigators and local ATF special agents at the scene.
The investigation will begin when all Agencies and Investigators are present, it is anticipated this will be Wednesday December 10, 2014.